SuitabookCatcall
Linda Newbery
- Reading
- Pause to discuss Jamie’s changing behaviour and the family’s responses, then revisit whether the wild-cat idea is treated literally, symbolically or in another way as the story develops.
- Themes
- Family change and coping: Josh’s family is used to change, but Jamie’s behaviour creates a further challenge that the household struggles to manage. The situation may prompt reflection on how families share responsibility during difficult periods, but the book’s judgement of each response is unclear.
- Understanding a sibling: Josh believes he understands Jamie’s moods and may need to break through Jamie’s unhappy mask. The story sets up a question about whether closeness helps someone reach a distressed sibling, without establishing that Josh’s understanding is complete or successful.
- Identity and the wild cat: Jamie falls under an all-pervading wild-cat spell and is associated with the name “Leo”; Josh has an affinity with animals. The premise may support discussion of identity or transformation, but it is not clear whether the wild-cat element is literal, symbolic, fantastical or critically examined.
- Worth knowing
- The frightening and unpredictable behaviour, family strain and Jamie’s unhappy presentation may deserve attention. The nature of the wild-cat spell and the outcome for the family remain unclear.